Comparison is a natural human tendency that has been around since the beginning of time. We are wired to evaluate ourselves in relation to others as a way of understanding our place in society.

📔 Lesson 3: Comparison is the Thief of Joy

In the past, people compared themselves to their peers and neighbors in their communities. They would compare their wealth, possessions, and status, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness.

For example, in the 1950s, there was a phenomenon known as "keeping up with the Joneses," where people would strive to match or exceed their neighbors' material possessions and social status. This led to a culture of consumerism, where people were encouraged to buy more and more to keep up with their peers.

Now with the rise of social media and the ability to constantly see what others are doing, it's become even easier to fall into the comparison trap.

One of the main problems with comparison is that it's usually based on incomplete information. We only see a snapshot of someone's life or achievements, and we don't know the full story behind it. This can lead us to feel like we're not measuring up or that we're falling behind, even if that's not the case.

Another issue with comparison is that it's often not a fair comparison. We might be comparing ourselves to someone who is in a completely different stage of life or has different resources and opportunities. It's not helpful or realistic to compare our journey to someone else's when we have different starting points and paths.

The truth is, comparison is the thief of joy because it focuses our attention on what we don't have or what we're lacking instead of what we do have and what we've accomplished. When we're constantly comparing ourselves to others, we're not able to fully appreciate our own unique journey and the progress we've made.

Instead of falling into the comparison trap, we can choose to focus on our own progress and growth. We can set goals that align with our values and aspirations and work towards them at our own pace. It's important to celebrate our own achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and acknowledge the hard work and effort that went into them.

Remember, your journey is your own, and it's worth celebrating every step of the way.